Top darts players to play in Dubai Duty Free Darts Masters

The world's top eight darts players are to visit Dubai this year for the $250,000 Dubai Duty Free Darts Masters.

Last Updated: 23/01/13 6:09pm

Phil Taylor: Trip to Dubai for world champion in May

The tournament will be played on 23-24 May at the Dubai Tennis Stadium as the first leg of the PDC's World Series of Darts.

World champion Phil Taylor will head the field of eight players who will compete in the knockout event, the first-ever professional darts tournament to be held in Dubai.

Two-time world champion Adrian Lewis is joined by James Wade, Michael van Gerwen, Simon Whitlock, Andy Hamilton, Wes Newton and Raymond van Barneveld in challenging for the title.

Colm McLoughlin, executive vice-chairman of Dubai Duty Free, said: "This is the first time that a professional darts tournament has been staged in Dubai and the first time that darts will be played in an outdoor arena.

"We think that this sport, which is growing in popularity across the world, will be a good addition to Dubai's busy sports and social calendar."

Taylor said: "The sport's growing around the world and it's a great chance for fans in both Dubai and from across the Middle East to see a live event, and hopefully this will be the seed for the tournament to grow in the coming years."